Algoplus Garden Blog

Hello, Spring!

Happy Spring Equinox! Good news for the those wishing away the winter weather, it's safe to say spring has finally arrived! The March equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator (the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator) from south to north.

The March equinox has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate spring festivals and holidays around the March equinox. We are definitely marking this day to celebrate the beginning of our spring gardens!

 

Gardening Tips for your Spring Vegetable Garden

Oh spring... the weather is warming but it's still a complete guessing game this time of year. A surprise freeze, unpredictable rain, you just never really know. By now, everyone should have their seeds started and trees and shrubs pruned. Go ahead, get started in the garden, but keep the row covers handy just in case!

Cool and Warm Season Crops

To improve your chances of ideal growing conditions in this unpredictable time of year, sow each crop in a couple batches, staggered about a week apart.

Cool-season crops should be planted in the garden now. Cool-season vegetables grow best at temperatures averaging 15° cooler than those needed by warm season varieties and need to mature in cool weather.

Asparagus*
Artichoke
Beet
Bok Choy
Broccoli*
Brussel Sprount*
Cabbage*
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chinese cabbage
Collard*
Fennel
Herbs - Cilantro, Dill, Lavender, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Kale
Endive
Leek
Lettuce
Onion*
Peas
Potato
Radish*
Rutabaga
Shallot*
Spinach*
Turnip*

*Not affected by frost and can be planted directly in the garden in cooler climates.

Start summer garden annual flower and vegetable seeds - under lights if your zone is still too cold.

Bean - Lima, Snap
Cantaloupe
Corn
Cucumber
Eggplant
Gourd
Melon
Okra
Peppers
Pumpkin
Snow Pea
Summer squash
Sweet potato
Tomato
Watermelon

Please note, this list is a starting point. Check your plant hardiness zone to ensure you are planting seedlings and transplants at the correct time for your zone.

Checkout Rodale's Seed Starting Chart to give you a good idea as to when you can plant what seed for your specific weather.

 

Prune Ornamental Grasses

Cut back ornamental grasses - tie blades together and cut them back to a few inches above ground level using a serrated bread knife or garden shears

Sudden Spring Frost? No problem!

Small clay pots make great cloches for protecting seedlings and small plants from sudden frosts and freezes

Pest and Disease Control

Spray horticultural oil on tree fruits and other landscape plants at risk for disease and insect attack. This oil smothers overwintering insects, eggs, and disease spores.  Apply before leaves appear and no freezes are forecasted for at least 4 hours after application.

Garden Projects for Spring

Making your work easier in the garden is worth a little extra effort at the beginning of the season. One was to always have a measuring stick handy is by turning a long handled garden tool into measuring stick. Use a yard stick or tape measure to mark measurements with a permanent marker.

Create some plant markers for your garden using a permanent marker or paint on small stones, wine corks, clay pots, bricks, pavers, wood or even on empty glass bottles. Get creative or keep it simple, it's up to you!

The Micro Gardener has some great DIY ideas for garden markers on her site. Check out the blog here.